Inflatable furniture with pop-up valve inflation indicator

ABSTRACT

The present invention describes an inflatable device, illustrated as an inflatable bed, which is designed to minimize damage to the bed as a result of under or over inflation. The inflatable bed comprises an inflatable mattress which includes an inflation indicator. The inflatable mattress includes a pop-up valve indicator assembly comprising an indicator pin, a compressible and extendable member such as a spring, and a barrier member such as diaphragm, all housed within the interior of the inflation indicator. The indicator pin further contains indicia to provide visualization as to the amount of air inflated within the inflatable mattress. The indicia provides for a quick and easy mechanism to determine inflation levels.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

In accordance with 37 C.F.R 1.76, a claim of priority is included in anApplication Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, thepresent invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/767,600, entitled “INFLATABLE BED WITHPOP-UP VALVE INFLATION INDICATOR” filed on Feb. 21, 2013. The contentsof the above referenced application are herein incorporated by referencein its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved inflatable device; toinflatable furniture having an inflation indicator to indicate levels ofinflation; and more specifically to an inflatable bed having a pop-upvalve inflation indicator to indicate various levels of inflation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Inflatable objects, such as beds, are well known in the art. Inflatablebeds allow users the opportunity to provide extra sleeping optionswithout the need for wasting valuable space. While there exists manysuch beds on the market, see for example inflatable beds from Coleman orAeroBed, all inflatable beds are designed to be inflated with air upondemand, and deflated to compactly be stored when not in use. In additionto providing extra bedding, inflatable beds are also used for outdoor orcamping trips to provide comfortable sleeping options when a traditionalmattress is not available.

Inflation of the inflatable bed requires insertion of air into the bed,typically using a pump. One of the problems encountered with inflationof these beds is the inability of the user to determine how much air isinserted. While the user can “feel” the firmness of the bed, it isimpossible to determine at what point the bed may become damaged due totoo much air being inserted within the bed. Over inflation increases therisk of damage to the bed as a result of forming holes or causing theseams or joints to deteriorate more quickly. Over inflation has alsobeen known to cause damage to the seams around the valves. Even in thecase of under inflation, unnecessary strain may result on the seams aswell.

Accordingly, an improved inflatable device, preferably inflatablefurniture such as an air bed, which provides a user a quick and easymechanism to determine if the inflatable bed is properly inflated,thereby reducing the likelihood of resultant damage, is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes inflatable furniture, illustrated as aninflatable bed, designed to minimize damage to the bed as a result ofimproper inflation. The inflatable bed comprises an inflatable mattresswhich includes an inflation indicator. The inflatable mattress includesa pop-up valve indicator assembly comprising an indicator pin, acompressible and extendable member such as a spring, and a barriermember such as diaphragm, all housed within the interior of an inflationindicator. The indicator pin further contains indicia to providevisualization as to the amount of air inflated within the inflatablemattress.

In an illustrative embodiment, a piece of furniture comprises aninflatable furniture body having a plurality of surfaces or wallsinterconnected to define an enclosed inflation substance chamber forreceiving and holding an inflation substance. The furniture includes atleast one of said side surfaces having a valve disposed thereon forintroduction of said inflation substance into said enclosed chamber forinflation of said inflatable furniture body. At least one inflationindicator for indicating the various levels of inflation substancewithin the enclosed inflation substance chamber is secured or coupled toat least one furniture surface or wall.

The inflation indicator preferably comprises an inflation indicatorassembly comprising an inflation indicator main body sized to passthrough at least one surface of the inflatable furniture body, theinflation indicator main body having a first end and a second opposingend. The inflation indicator assembly further comprises of an inflationindicating member slidably engaged with said main body whereby saidinflation indicating member moves or traverses between an indicatingposition and a non-indicating position, or positions there between; acompressible and extendable member; and a barrier member.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide animproved inflatable object.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide an inflatabledevice such as an inflatable furniture, inflatable bed, inflatable boat,inflatable raft, or inflatable boat towable having an inflationindicator.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide an inflatabledevice such as an inflatable boat, inflatable raft, or inflatable boattowable having an inflation indicator.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide aninflatable bed having an inflation indicator.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide other inflatablefurniture, such as an inflatable chair or inflatable dresser having aninflation indicator.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide aninflatable bed having an inflation indicator which prevents damage tothe inflatable bed.

It is a still further objective of the present invention to provide aninflatable bed having an inflation indicator which prevents damage tothe bed as a result of over inflation.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide aninflatable bed having a pop-up valve inflation indicator which utilizesindicia to provide a user with a mechanism to determine over inflationof the bed.

Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparentfrom the following description taken in conjunction with anyaccompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration andexample, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings containedherein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplaryembodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects andfeatures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an illustrative example of aninflatable bed having a pop-up inflation indicator;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the inflatable bed having apop-up inflation indicator;

FIG. 3 is a front view of an illustrative example of an inflationindicator in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the inflation indicator;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the inflation indicator,illustrating the interior portion thereof;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pop-up valve indicator assembly;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the indicator pin of the pop-up valveindicator assembly;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the indicator pin shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the end cap;

FIG. 10 is a back view of the end cap;

FIG. 11 illustrates the inflation indicator in the initial set point;

FIG. 12 illustrates the inflation indicator having the inflationindicator partially raised;

FIG. 13 illustrates the inflation indicator having the inflationindicator indicating possible over inflation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in variousforms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be describeda presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with theunderstanding that the present disclosure is to be considered anexemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limitthe invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an inflatable device, illustrated as aninflatable bed having a pop-up inflation indicator, referred togenerally as 10, is illustrated. The present invention is describedusing an inflatable bed as an illustrative example of the inflatabledevice. Use of an inflatable bed, however, is illustrative only as otherinflatable devices, such as but not limited to rafts, boats, boattowables, or inflatable furniture having a pop-up inflation indicatorare contemplated. The inflatable bed having a pop-up inflation indicator10 comprises an inflatable mattress 12 having an upper surface 14, alower surface 16, and a plurality of side surfaces 18, 20, 22, and 24.The side surfaces form a continuous wall separating the upper surface 14and the lower surface 16 to provide an enclosed inflation substancechamber (or mattress inflation chamber) for receiving and holding aninflation substance. The mattress 12 may be sized to any length andwidth, such as the sizes of a standard mattress, a queen-sized mattress,or king-sized mattress. The mattress 12 is further constructed andarranged to be fully inflatable with an inflation substance, such asair, and deflatable. Accordingly, the inflatable mattress 12 may includean inflate/deflate valve for manual inflation or for attachment of anexternal air pump. Alternatively, the inflatable mattress 12 may containan internal pump 28 with a control unit 30 which includes an on/offswitch to control the pump. While shown inserted within the side surface20, the inflate/deflate valve 26 and/or the internal pump 28 with acontrol unit 30 may be placed anywhere within the mattress 12, includingwithin side surfaces 18, 22, 24, or combinations thereof.

Whichever mechanism is used to inflate the mattress 12, i.e. an externalor internal air pump, the proper amount of air inserted within themattress is vital for several reasons. Most importantly, over inflatingthe mattress can lead to deterioration of and eventual damage of themattress 12 through the formation of holes or destruction of the seams.In the case of large holes or seam separation, the mattress 12 isprevented from inflating as air inserted exits out the holes. In thecase of small holes or seam separation, the mattress 12 will needcontinuous filling to maintain the proper inflation. In addition, properinflation allows the user to enjoy the mattress by inflation to thedesired firmness, softness, or combinations therebetween.

The present invention is designed to prevent over inflation by providinga quick, easy and economical mechanism to allow a user the capability todetermine when the mattress 12 is inflated to a proper level. Referringback to FIG. 1, inserted within the side surface 18 is an inflationindicator, referred generally as 32. The inflation indicator 32 ispreferably designed as a pop-up valve designed to indicate the variouslevels of air being pumped into the mattress 12. As an inflationsubstance or material, i.e. air, is pumped or inserted within themattress 12, the inflation indicator 32 provides visual indication as tothe level(s) of mattress 12 inflation. Referring to FIG. 3, anillustrative example of the inflation indicator 32 is shown. Theinflation indicator 32 comprises a main body 34 having an upper end 36having a generally circular outer plate of flanged surface 38 and alower open end 40 adapted to attach to, or secure with an end cap 42.

An indicator pin 44 slidably engages the main body so as to move in avertical manner within the interior portion of the main body 34. Whilethe main body 34 assumes a generally cylindrical configuration, suchshape is illustrative and not intended to be limiting. The circularouter plate 38 is designed so that its inner surface 39 rests on theoutside of the mattress 12, position to be secured to the outer surfaceof the mattress 12 surfaces. The main body 34 is sized to pass throughthe mattress surfaces. The circular outer plate 38 is secured within andrests flush with the side wall 18, see FIG. 1. The circular outer plate38 contains a first outer plate surface 46 and a second outer platesurface 48 (FIG. 4). A continuous, angled side wall 50 separates thesecond outer plate surface 48 from the first outer plate surface 46 andforms a recessed area 51. Such alignment allows for the indicator pin(not shown) to move in an upward/downward movement through opening 52positioned within the second outer plate surface 48, thereby preventingthe indicator pin 44 from extending past the first outer plate surface46. Such alignment minimizes the risk of the indicator pin 44 beingdamaged during use.

The back surface 54 of the angled side wall 50, along with the main body34 is inserted within the interior of the mattress 12, see FIG. 5.Stored within the interior 56 of the main body 34 is the indicatorassembly, described herein as a pop-up valve indicator assembly 58, seeFIG. 6. The pop-up valve indicator assembly 58 comprises an indicatorpin 44, a compressible and extendable member, illustrated herein as aspring 60, and a barrier member, illustrated herein as a diaphragm 62.The diaphragm 62 may be made of a flexible or semi-flexible plasticmaterial. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the indicator pin 44 comprises agenerally cylindrically shaped, elongated body 64 having a generallyplanar upper surface 66 and generally circular flanged-like base 68. Thebottom surface 70 of the base 68 contains an opening 72 which creates ahollow region within the elongated body 64. The shape of theflanged-like base 68 preferably corresponds with the shape of thediaphragm 62, but preferably having a smaller diameter.

As shown in FIG. 6, the diaphragm 62 is positioned to align with andrest against the bottom surface 70 of the base and between the end cap42. To allow for controlled, slidable movement in an upward and downwardmotion through the main body 34 of inflation indicator 32, the spring 60is coaxially aligned with the elongated body 64 of the indicator pin 44,and resting at the base 68. The spring is preferably made of a springsteel, but may be made of any material known to one of skill in the art.The amount of upward and downward movement associated with the indicatorpin 44 can be controlled by changing its rate or stiffness, therebyallowing for a predetermined amount of movement per area of pressureapplied to the indicator assembly. Alternatively, the pop-up valveindicator assembly may utilize a compressible material, such as a foamor compression plastic, instead of a spring. Along the outer surface 74of the elongated body 64 is indicating indicia 76. The indicatingindicia 76 provides the user with information relating to inflation andmay include a colored coating, numbers (not illustrated), wording (notillustrated), symbols (not illustrated) or combinations thereof. Theindicating indicia 76 may include a single colored ring or band toindicate a preferred range, or may include multiple colored rings orbands, see FIG. 13, to indicate various range levels. Whatever theindicia is, the user will be able to determine a preferred inflationrange, thereby preventing over inflation.

As described above, the pop-up valve indicator assembly 58 is designedto be placed within the interior 56 of the main body 34 of the inflationindicator 32. To maintain the pop-up valve indicator assembly 58 in theproper orientation, the end cap 42 sealing engages the lower end 40 ofthe main body 34. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the end cap 42 isillustrated as a generally circular ring having a first surface 78 and asecond surface 80. A plurality of holes are positioned about thecircumference of the end cap 42 and are sized and arranged to correspondwith the plurality of openings 84 positioned about the circumference ofthe bottom end 40 of the inflation indicator 32, see FIG. 5. A ridge 81within the end cap 42 is designed to fit within a channel 83 located inthe bottom end 40 of the main body 34 to provide a secure fit betweenthe two, see FIG. 10. The end cap 42 is secured to the inflationindicator 32 through use of screws inserted within each of the openings82 and 84. Alternative mechanisms for securing the end cap 42 to theinflation indicator 32 may include the use of male to female connectors,threading, or other mechanisms known to one of skill in the art.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate various stages of the inflation indicator 32during use. In FIG. 11, the mattress 12 is either not inflated or it isunderinflated as the pin 44 rests in its set point. As the mattress 12fills with air, the pressure resulting from the air pushes against thediaphragm 62. At some pressure point, enough force is applied and thediaphragm 62 pushes the inflation pin 44 upwardly, i.e. away from thebase 68, compressing the spring. This action results in the pin 44moving past its set point, see FIG. 12. As more air is inserted into themattress 12, the pin continues to rise, see FIG. 13. The movement of thepin 44 from its original position as a result of inflation provides oneor more indicating positions. As the mattress continues to inflate andmove the pin 44, various levels of inflation are indicated based on howfar the pin has moved.

As the pin 44 rises, inflation levels are determined by thevisualization of the three colored indicia rings 76A, 76B, and 76C. Asan illustrative example, indicia ring 76A, colored blue, could indicatea safe level indicating no risk of over inflation. Indicia ring 76B, ayellow ring, could indicate a cautionary level indicating minimal riskof over inflation. Indicia ring 76C, a red ring, could indicate adangerous level, indicating that the mattress 12 is reaching its maximumamount of air and is at risk of over inflation and possible damage.Should the user visualize this indicia ring, the mattress 12 wouldrequire deflation. If the mattress 12 is deflated so that air isremoved, the diaphragm 62 is relaxed allowing the pin 44 to move back toits original, or non-inflated, non-indicating position.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification areindicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which theinvention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporatedby reference to the same extent as if each individual publication wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention isillustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangementherein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to whatis shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figuresincluded herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the presentinvention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain theends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. Theembodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein arepresently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended tobe exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changestherein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which areencompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by thescope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been describedin connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should beunderstood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited tosuch specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of thedescribed modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious tothose skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. Inflatable furniture having an inflationindicator therein for visually indicating levels of furniture inflationcomprising: an inflatable furniture body having a plurality of surfacesinterconnected to define an enclosed inflation substance chamber forreceiving and holding an inflation substance; at least one of said sidesurfaces having a valve disposed thereon for introduction of saidinflation substance into said enclosed chamber for inflation of saidinflatable furniture body; and at least one inflation indicator forindicating the various levels of inflation substance within saidenclosed inflation substance chamber.
 2. The inflatable furniture havingan inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels offurniture inflation according to claim 1 wherein said at least oneinflation indicator includes a pop-up valve adapted to visually indicateat least two levels of inflation.
 3. The inflatable furniture having aninflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels of furnitureinflation according to claim 2 wherein said inflation indicatorcomprises an inflation indicator assembly comprising: an inflationindicator main body sized to pass through at least one surface of saidinflatable furniture body, said inflation indicator main body having afirst end and a second opposing end; an inflation indicating memberslidably engaged with said main body whereby said inflation indicatingmember traverses between an indicating position and a non-indicatingposition; a compressible and extendable member; and a barrier member. 4.The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein forvisually indicating levels of furniture inflation according to claim 3wherein said compressible and extendable member is a spring.
 5. Theinflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visuallyindicating levels of furniture inflation according to claim 3 whereinsaid compressible and extendable member is made from a compressible foamor compression plastic.
 6. The inflatable furniture having an inflationindicator therein for visually indicating levels of furniture inflationaccording to claim 3 wherein said barrier member is a diaphragm.
 7. Theinflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visuallyindicating levels of inflatable furniture inflation according to claim 6wherein said diaphragm is made from a flexible or semi-flexible plasticmaterial.
 8. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicatortherein for visually indicating levels of furniture inflation accordingto claim 3 wherein said inflation indicator main body includes a platepositioned at said first end having an inner surface in contact with anouter surface of said inflatable furniture body, said second opposingend having an aperture which is at least partially closed by a cap. 9.The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein forvisually indicating levels of furniture inflation according to claim 8wherein said plate is flush with said outer surface of said inflatablefurniture body.
 10. The inflatable furniture having an inflationindicator therein for visually indicating levels of furniture inflationaccording to claim 8 wherein said plate comprises a first plate surface,a second plate surface, said first plate surface and said second platesurface separated by a continuous wall thereby forming a recess area.11. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein forvisually indicating levels of furniture inflation according to claim 10wherein said continuous wall comprises an angled surface.
 12. Theinflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visuallyindicating levels of furniture inflation according to claim 3 whereinsaid inflation indicating member includes an elongated body having aflanged base.
 13. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicatortherein for visually indicating levels of inflatable furniture inflationaccording to claim 12 wherein said diaphragm is positioned between saidflanged base of said inflation indicating elongated body and said cap.14. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein forvisually indicating levels of inflatable furniture inflation accordingto claim 12 wherein said compressible and extendable member is coaxiallyaligned with said inflation indicating elongated body.
 15. Theinflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visuallyindicating levels of inflatable furniture inflation according to claim12 wherein said inflation indicating elongated body contains indicatingindicia.
 16. The inflatable furniture having an inflation indicatortherein for visually indicating levels of inflatable furniture inflationaccording to claim 15 wherein said indicating indicia is numbers, words,symbols, colored markings, or combinations thereof.
 17. The inflatablefurniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicatinglevels of furniture inflation according to claim 15 wherein saidindicating indicia includes a single colored ring.
 18. The inflatablefurniture having an inflation indicator therein for visually indicatinglevels of furniture inflation according to claim 15 wherein saidindicating indicia includes multiple colored rings (bands.)
 19. Theinflatable furniture having an inflation indicator therein for visuallyindicating levels of furniture inflation according to claim 1 furtherincluding an internal pumping mechanism.
 20. The inflatable furniturehaving an inflation indicator therein for visually indicating levels offurniture inflation according to claim 1 wherein said inflatablefurniture is a mattress having a top surface and a bottom surface, saidtop surface and said bottom surface connected by a sidewall to define anenclosed mattress chamber for receiving and holding an inflationsubstance.